Fiji to Hong Kong: Isles of Papua, Palau & the Philippines

North of Nadi through sugarcane plantations and past the Sabeto Mountains is Lautoka, nicknamed the Sugar City for the local agriculture and its big processing mill. With a population of around 50,000, it's the only city besides Suva and, like the capital, has a pleasant waterfront. It's the sailing point for Blue Lagoon and Beachcomber Cruises but is otherwise unremarkable for tourists, itself having few hotels and fewer good restaurants. Locals recommend the city as a less-expensive place to shop for clothing, but note that it can take as long as 45 minutes to drive here. Legend has it that Lautoka acquired its name when two chiefs engaged in combat and one hit the other with a spear. He proclaimed "lau toka" (spear hit) and thus the future town was named.

Bula! Welcome to Fiji and the nation’s second largest city, Lautoka, nestled in the heart of sugar-cane country. This sweet start to your voyage opens up a world of blissful beaches, turquoise seascapes, dense jungle and the always-smiling Fijian locals.  

Your Discovery Voyage into wonder begins with a warm greeting by the Captain and crew as you step on board Scenic Eclipse II. Sip on a glass of Champagne as you explore your luxurious suite, then join fellow guests at the Sky Bar to toast the start of an unforgettable voyage. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Nadi prior to 02:00 PM.

Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu’s archipelago, enchants with Champagne Bay, one of the world’s most exquisite beaches where a freshwater spring flows into the lagoon creating a spa-like bubbling sensation at low tide. Inhabited by the Ni-Vanuatu, who preserve Melanesian traditions, you’re welcomed ashore with a lively string band and the mesmerising water music women’s performance. Taste seasonal fruits, nuts, and kava, a revered local drink, before a scenic bus ride to swim in a stunning blue hole, immersing you in the island’s vibrant culture and natural wonders.  

Scenic Discovery:
Today you may enjoy an assortment of Discovery activities, weather and local authority approvals permitting. Navigate calm waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard and snorkel amidst colourful reefs.

Lata, a serene and picturesque town on Nendö Island, also known as Ndende Island, in the Solomon Islands, enchants with its natural beauty and tranquil charm. The warm and welcoming locals invite you to experience their rich traditions and way of life. With pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Lata offers exceptional snorkelling, where vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life create unforgettable underwater experiences.

Port Mary is the name of the bay adjacent to Ghupuna, the main village in Santa Ana. A bright white sand beach with huge shade-giving trees runs along the shoreline in front of the tidy village. The houses here are made with local materials and most are built on stilts. Islanders generally welcome visitors with traditional songs and dances performed by members of the three different villages on Santa Ana. Some local people will also set up stands offering souvenirs for purchase. The Solomons are best known for strings of traditional shell money and elegant carvings based on local stories and legends.

Step ashore on Santa Ana Island, also known as Owaraha, a remote coral gem in the southeastern Solomons. Rich in history and culture, the island offers a rare glimpse into traditional island life. Wander through vibrant villages, meet welcoming locals, and discover handcrafted treasures that reflect centuries of heritage. Relax on pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, where snorkelling unveils vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Scenic Discovery:
Delight in an array of Discovery activities, weather and local authority approvals permitting. Paddle across serene waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, snorkel over stunning reefs, or opt for an exclusive optional helicopter^ or submersible^ experience to uncover breathtaking vistas.

Honiara is the capital city of the Solomon Islands on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. It is the hub of all activity in the archipelago which has recently undergone an ‘urban boom’. Discover the cities beautiful landscapes and the significance of the city in the World War II.

The Solomon Islands’ largest island, cloaked in tropical rainforest, boasts palm-fringed coasts and pristine white-sand beaches. Surrounded by clear waters teeming with wildlife, delve into history at World War II relics and monuments, including the Battle of Guadalcanal sites. Honiara unveils its wartime significance, with the Vilu War Museum, Cultural Centre, National Museum, and National Archives, blending natural beauty with rich heritage. Walk along the waterfront markets, where local vendors offer fresh produce, handwoven baskets and carved wooden artefacts, providing a vibrant glimpse into everyday Solomon Island life.

Njari is a small island almost entirely covered in trees with just a small sand spit at its eastern end. A labyrinth of reefs and coral heads make an approach only feasible from the north. The small beach invites one to relax, but swimming from the beach is almost impossible as the corals are too close. To enjoy the underwater world one has to enter the water from a small boat, a little distance from the shore, where an amazing array of fish and coral will be visible. Two hundred and seventy nine different fish species have been seen during a single dive; the fourth-highest fish count ever recorded. An indication of why this island is considered a top spot for snorkeling in the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands offer exceptional opportunities to explore a vibrant underwater world. Pristine reefs reveal an extraordinary diversity of marine life, from colourful reef fish to graceful rays, playful dolphins, and sea turtles gliding through crystal-clear waters. With expansive coral gardens and thriving ecosystems, the region is a haven for snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography.

Njari Island, a remote and uninhabited island just offshore from Gizo, epitomises tropical serenity. Fringed by white sand and turquoise waters, its secluded shores invite relaxed swimming and immersive snorkelling in an idyllic island setting. Gizo itself serves as the gateway to the Western Province, where wartime wrecks lie beneath the surface and the legacy of PT-109 adds historical depth to the area's natural allure.

Scenic Discovery:
Embark on a water experience with your Discovery team, weather and local authority approvals permitting. Swimming in pristine lagoons, snorkelling amidst colourful marine ecosystems, and skimming the surface on a stand-up paddleboard, all in the heart of breathtaking surroundings.

Torokina sits on the shores of Empress Augusta Bay on Bougainville’s west coast, where dark sand beaches meet dense rainforest and low, forested hills. Once a strategically important landing site during the Second World War, today it is defined more by village life, simple churches and gardens close to the shoreline. Coming ashore offers a sense of everyday Bougainville, with the sound of the surf, children playing by the water and paths that lead inland beneath the canopy. The area’s wartime past and ongoing links to the sea lend Torokina a quiet, reflective character that contrasts with its raw, green surroundings.

Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The fumes of the volcano Tavurvur can be seen continually and the town suffered greatly during the last major eruption of 1994 when some 80% of the houses collapsed due to the ash raining down onto their roofs. Rabaul has a Volcano Observatory sitting atop the town’s center, monitoring the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. A small museum opposite the bunker used by Yamamoto during World War II shows exhibits relating to Rabaul’s local, German, Australian and Japanese past from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea’s independence in the 1970s.

Located at the eastern tip of New Britain, the tropical port town of Rabaul is renowned for its dramatic natural setting. Set along the sheltered waters of Simpson Harbour, the town is encircled by a ring of volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Tavurvur, creating a striking landscape shaped by powerful natural forces. Volcanic ash blankets parts of the old town, where remnants of pre-eruption buildings stand as testament to nature's force. 

The area's network of wartime tunnels, built by Japanese forces during World War II, offers a sobering glimpse into the region's strategic importance during the conflict. Later, depart Rabaul and sail across tranquil waters toward the Duke of York Islands, a picturesque archipelago set between New Britain and New Ireland. Dotted with palm-fringed shores and surrounded by clear, turquoise seas, these quiet islands offer a peaceful contrast to Rabaul’s dramatic volcanic landscape, inviting relaxed exploration in an idyllic tropical setting.

Discover Manus Island, the northern jewel of the Admiralty Islands, where lush forests and vibrant wildlife thrive. Steeped in history yet remarkably untouched, the island offers a glimpse into life in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote regions. Keep an eye out for unique creatures such as the spotted cuscus (an endemic marsupial), or admire the island’s iconic green tree snail, whose shells reflect centuries of local tradition. The island's sheltered harbour once served as a significant Allied naval base during World War II, and traces of that era remain visible along the coastline. Local villages maintain traditional ways of life, with fishing, weaving and canoe-building still central to daily routines. Manus is a serene, fascinating stop for curious travellers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness.

Situated in the heart of the Pacific, Koror invites you to discover a captivating fusion of vibrant culture and breathtaking natural wonders. As the gateway to Palau’s famed marine sanctuaries, Koror offers crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and an extraordinary diversity of tropical marine life, perfect for snorkelling, or exploration ashore.

The Rock Islands, a World Heritage-listed site, rise dramatically from turquoise lagoons, their mushroom-shaped limestone formations creating one of the Pacific's most iconic seascapes. Jellyfish Lake offers a surreal swimming experience amongst harmless golden jellyfish, whilst traditional bai (meeting houses) showcase intricate carved storyboards depicting Palauan legends. Rich in history and warm island hospitality, Koror is a jewel of Micronesia.

An additional day in Koror invites a deeper look into the landscapes and traditions that define Palau. Explore further into the World Heritage-listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, where hidden inlets and emerald islets create a maze of sheltered waterways.

You may choose to wander local markets, or learn more about Palau’s matrilineal society and ancient customs through its traditional meeting houses. With more time on your side, Koror reveals layers of history and culture that reward a more considered exploration.

Casulian Island, in the central Philippines, also known as Corregidor Island, feels far removed from the country’s busier resort centres. A sweep of pale sand, clear shallows and gently wooded slopes sets an unhurried tone from the moment you arrive. Time here is likely to centre on simple pleasures: walking the shoreline, swimming from the beach or sitting beneath the shade of coastal trees. Offshore, patches of coral and seagrass hint at the rich marine life that underpins local fishing traditions, offering a quiet glimpse of everyday island life in the Visayas. Small fishing boats rest along the shore, and the rhythm of village life unfolds at a gentle pace, with children sometimes playing near the water's edge and locals tending to nets and outrigger canoes.

Cebu, one of the Philippines’ most historic cities, blends Spanish colonial landmarks, lively neighbourhoods and a growing contemporary arts and dining scene. Walk in the footsteps of early Spanish settlers at centuries-old churches and plazas before exploring markets and smaller boutiques for local crafts and design. Magellan's Cross, planted in 1521, marks the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, whilst the Basilica del Santo Niño houses one of the country's oldest religious relics. Fort San Pedro, a Spanish-era fortification, offers a glimpse into Cebu's colonial past, whilst vibrant Carbon Market pulses with local life, fragrant spices and fresh produce. Time here may also reveal Cebu’s coastal side, with nearby islands, marine reserves and beach-fringed shores adding another dimension to your visit.

Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most recognisable island destinations, known for its long stretch of pale sand and clear, gently shelving water. Away from the busier beach sections, smaller coves and quieter walking routes reveal a softer side to the island. White Beach stretches for several kilometres along the western shore, backed by coconut palms and low-rise resorts, whilst Puka Shell Beach to the north offers a more secluded setting. Offshore, coral gardens and gentle currents create ideal conditions for snorkelling, and traditional paraw sailboats still glide across the bay at sunset. You might spend time along the waterfront, pause at a café or bar to sample local dishes and fresh seafood, or simply sit and watch the rhythm of boats and walkers along the shore.

El Nido, at the northern tip of Palawan, is framed by limestone cliffs, sheltered lagoons and clear, shallow bays. The surrounding Bacuit Archipelago scatters small islands and pocket beaches across a compact stretch of sea, giving the area an intimate, almost enclosed feel. Hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak reveal calm waters surrounded by towering karst formations, whilst secluded beaches offer quiet stretches of sand away from the main town. Snorkelling sites around Miniloc and Shimizu islands showcase healthy coral gardens and diverse marine life, from parrotfish to occasional sea turtles. Time here tends to unfold at an easy pace, with opportunities to appreciate the interplay of rock, sand and sea and the distinctive coastal scenery that has made this corner of the Philippines so admired.

The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

Hong Kong, where steep green hills frame one of the world’s most recognisable harbours, provides a fitting finale to your journey. Traditional temples, lively markets and historic tramways sit alongside towering skyscrapers contemporary galleries and an evolving dining scene.

Your Discovery Voyage comes to a close this morning. After a final sumptuous breakfast, farewell your fellow guests and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, taking with you memories of an unforgettable ultra-luxury journey through the Pacific.

Please book your flight to depart out of Hong Kong after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. 
+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

Helicopter and submersible not in operation in all regions. 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.